Mirror columnist Dawson branded it "astonishing" and said he was "bewildered" by Lancaster's decision to overlook the "best winger in the country".

Healey, too, was "flabbergasted" - particularly as Marland Yarde and Christian Wade are injured. England have instead gone for rookies.

Strettle, who won 14 caps between 2007-13, admits to being frustrated, particularly as he prides himself on his consistent level of performance.

But he insists he won't stop trying to change Lancaster's mind.

"If you look at my England career it's been stop-start, due to injury, change of coach or X, Y and Z," he said.

"It can get a bit frustrating at times but you've just got to use it as added motivation and concentrate on taking care of what you do at your club.

"I understand where Stuart's coming from, in a sense, when he says he wants to look at younger players before the World Cup.

"But he's also said the door's definitely not closed, so my challenge is to keep playing well for Saracens. All you can do as a player is make sure you perform week in and week out."

That consistency continues to delight Saracens, who will earn a home semi-final against Clermont or Leicester in the Heineken Cup should they beat Ulster in Belfast in April.

"I've been consistent over my time in the Premiership," said Strettle. "When I was playing at Quins I felt I had some brilliant seasons. And I've had some great ones at Saracens.

"That's all I strive for. You have a level and you want to stay there.

"I could say I've been unfortunate with illness and injuries at times in my career. You can't feel sorry for yourself because a lot of players go through the same.

"Lots have had worse injuries than I've had, or play in very competitive positions and have not had a call-up at all. It's not something I look back on and say 'why me?' You accept the way it's been and get on with it."

For all that he is grateful for the words of support from Dawson and Healey.

"It's very nice when ex-players of that calibre write nice things about you," he said. "When you don't get picked it's some consolation to have people like that talking you up and highlighting how well you're playing."

Strettle's firepower has made Sarries table-toppers at home and contenders in Europe. Time will tell if England can enjoy a similar level of success without it.